Hanna Sheehy-Skefffington, born 24 May 1877, was one of Ireland’s most ardent promoters of women’s rights. She was an influential figure during the suffragette movement, tirelessly campaigning for the equal status of men and women in Ireland.

Skeffington was exposed to the republican struggle from a young age due to her father’s involvement with the Irish Republican Brotherhood and later his career as an MP.With regards to Irish independence, the constitution and the place of women within this framework, Skeffington lived to be disappointed with de Valera’s vision for modern Irish society.